Google's mystery barge to get sails

Google plans to include a dozen or so massive sails on a barge under construction in San Francisco.Source: AAP

GOOGLE plans to include a dozen or so massive sails on a four-story barge under construction in the heart of the San Francisco Bay, creating a floating artistic structure it promises will "stand out".

After weeks of speculation that the barge would be "a party boat", a data storage centre and a store to sell its internet-connected glasses, it seems Google will use the vessel as an "interactive space where people can learn about new technology".

The San Francisco Chronicle says it has obtained planning documents for the vessel from the Port of San Francisco through a public records request.

Google has been tight-lipped about the barge and has managed to conceal much of its purpose by constructing it on docked barges instead of on land, where city building permits and public plans are mandatory.

The Chronicle reported that the sails are shaped like fish fins and are part of a boxy 15-metre-tall, 76-metre-long structure made of recycled shipping containers.

A company called By and Large LLC submitted the planning documents.

The Chronicle reports the company has close ties to Google and some are speculating the name is a play on the word "barge."

The documents refer to the barge as a "studio" and "temporary technology exhibit space" that will "drive visitation to the waterfront."

The internet giant's actions at Treasure Island appear legal. But the mystery surrounding the bulky floating building - and a similar one off Portland, Maine - is generating rumours and worries.

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